(ANSAmed) - NICOSIA, OCTOBER 2 - Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides has said that Cyprus has a duty to participate in the international alliance against ISIL as daily Famagusta Gazette online reports.

His comments come just days after Cyprus beefed up security amid fears of terrorist reprisals, after the British Royal Air Force started strikes on militants. Kasoulides denied claims that Cyprus is becoming a target because of its participation in the international fight, pointing out that "we are becoming a target anyway as Christians". He recalled the examples of the Christians in Mosul and other cities of Iraq, who were forced to convert to Islam or flee or were beheaded. "We are all in the same battle", he said, adding that cultural values and freedom are at stake. He also said that Cyprus' contribution to this fight highlights the importance of the island's geographical location, adding that besides the engagement of the British Bases in Cyprus, Nicosia will provide facilities at the 'Andreas Papandreou' military base in Paphos for the French civil aviation.

"It is our duty to participate to this battle, as the rest of the international community does, because our civilization, our freedom are in danger as a result of this 'sickening mentality' of the Jihadists", he added. (ANSAmed).